DUNGENESS — The giant parks, like Olympic National Parks, get to star in shows like Ken Burns’ “America’s Best Idea” series on public television.

But the nation’s wildlife refuges — another public resource — deserve as much reverence and exploration.

Such was the message Tuesday afternoon at the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, where a new $1.4 million headquarters building was dedicated and celebrated by a variety of fans.

A brick path winds through the trees to the building, which houses U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service operations for the Washington Maritime Complex of refuges.

Information center

Those wanting to explore the nearby Dungeness Spit can stop in between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to ask questions, pick up maps and buy passes, which are $3 per four adults for one day, or $12 for the year.

Children 15 and younger visit free.

The headquarters, which houses a public foyer and space for volunteers and staff, replaces Fish & Wildlife’s much smaller building on U.S. Highway 101 at North Barr Road.

That structure will be removed when highway-widening work begins in 2012.

Historical recollections

First up at Tuesday’s ceremony was Elaine Grinnell, an elder of the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe that once lived along Dungeness Spit, the longest natural sand spit in the United States.

Grinnell spoke of the 636-acre refuge as a gift to be cared for by all members of the community, Native American and otherwise.

“We have to find ways to save what we have left,” she said, “and care for the animals, the birds, the salmon — all these things we share.”

Steve Tharinger, the Clallam County commissioner and Democrat who represents Dungeness, shared Grinnell’s feeling for the place.

National wildlife refuges are about “providing, in a democratic way, access to our natural resources,” he said. “It’s the work of all of us,” he added, “to get kids outside,” to experience the wild world.

Tharinger got laughs from the assembled refuge volunteers and Fish &Wildlife Service staff when he said his fellow county commissioners, Mike Doherty and Mike Chapman, were spending their afternoon talking about swine flu with the county Health Department.

“I’m really happy to be here,” he said.

Scenic neighbor

The Dungeness wildlife refuge is next to another popular spot: the Dungeness Recreation Area, a Clallam County park featuring a 1-mile scenic bluff trail, picnic areas and 64 campsites.

Together they’re a powerful attraction, Tharinger said, noting that simple walking and birdwatching are among the biggest draws for locals and visitors from around the country.

The refuge — established in 1915 — with its adjacent county park and headquarters exist thanks to cooperation among government agencies and a steadfast bunch of volunteers, he added.

Kevin Ryan, project leader for the new headquarters, expressed admiration for the neighboring recreation area.

“I’ve been in some state parks that are not as good as Clallam County parks,” he said.

These woods and wild seashore comprise “a treasure we need to preserve so we can pass it on to the next generation,” Tharinger added.

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Sequim-Dungeness Valley reporter Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at diane.urbani@peninsula dailynews.com